Rox young sluggers aim to bring pop back to Coors Field
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Coors Field may provide the best run-scoring environment in Major League Baseball, but the Rockies haven’t taken advantage of it in recent years. Even without adjusting for Coors, they have fielded offenses worse than the league average the past three seasons, and they scored the fewest runs
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Coors Field may provide the best run-scoring environment in Major League Baseball, but the Rockies haven’t taken advantage of it in recent years. Even without adjusting for Coors, they have fielded offenses worse than the league average the past three seasons, and they scored the fewest runs per game (4.21) and generated the second-lowest slugging percentage (.400) in franchise history in 2024.
Not coincidentally, Colorado lost 101 games last season, two shy of the franchise low point established the year before.
Fortunately for the Rockies, they have some slugging outfielders on the way. They spent the No. 3 overall pick and a Draft-record $9.25 million bonus on outfielder Charlie Condon in July, just as Robert Calaz was putting the finishing touches on an MVP season and Triple Crown in the Rookie-level Arizona Complex League. Yanquiel Fernandez had a strong season at Double-A and could arrive in Denver at some point this year.
📩 SUBSCRIBE TO THE BASEBALL TRAVELER NEWSLETTER
Condon was the most devastating hitter in college baseball last year, winning the Golden Spikes Award as the nation’s best amateur after leading NCAA Division I in batting (.433), slugging (1.009), OPS (1.565), homers (37), extra-base hits (58) and total bases (233) as a redshirt sophomore at Georgia. He not only features top-of-the-scale raw power that plays from foul pole to foul pole, but he also has a relatively compact right-handed swing and makes good swing decisions.
Colorado has yet to see Condon at his best. A bone spur in his right finger led to him changing his grip on the bat during an underwhelming pro debut at High-A. Now he’ll miss the first month of this season after sustaining a non-displaced fracture of his left wrist while diving for a ball on March 11.
“I’ve been here a while,” said farm director Chris Forbes, who started with the Rockies as an area scout in 2006, “and Charlie is probably the most complete hitting prospect we’ve had. We didn’t get the best version of him last year because he got hit by a pitch on his hand at Georgia and tried to play through the injury. There could be more power in there because we haven’t tapped into the strength component yet.”
The prize of the Rockies’ 2023 international class, Calaz signed for $1.7 million out of the Dominican Republic. After posting a .984 OPS in his pro debut in the Rookie-level Dominican Summer League, he came to the United States last year and slashed .349/.462/.651 with 10 homers and 45 RBIs in 49 ACL games. Already quite physical at 6-foot-2 and 202 pounds, he continued to mash at Single-A in the final month as an 18-year-old, making exceptionally loud contact for his age.
“Robert didn’t even want to play baseball growing up,” Forbes said. “The kids in his town needed him to fill out their team and he wanted to ride his horse. They were frustrated because they knew how good he could be, so they threw rocks trying to knock him off his horse.
“The beauty of Robert is that he can’t describe how he does what he does. That innocence is intriguing. His body moves really quick. He’s still learning the game.”
Another product of Colorado’s international efforts, Fernandez left Cuba before signing for $295,000 in July 2019. As physical as Calaz, Fernandez totaled 46 homers in his first two full pro seasons but tapered off to 12 last year. He made adjustments and provided more consistent contact when he repeated Double-A to begin 2024 but scuffled following an August promotion to Triple-A.
“In Double-A, we saw his hit ability start to show up,” Forbes said. “He started recognizing what pitchers were trying to do to him and started taking what they gave him. Sometimes he tries to create power, and in Triple-A, guys mixed their pitches and located better and cut him up. He needs to lock into making better swing decisions.”
Camp standout: Zac Veen
The ninth overall pick in the 2020 Draft, Veen has played in just 111 games the past two seasons while dealing with wrist, thumb and back injuries. He’s healthy now and making an unexpected push for a starting outfield job with his play and nonstop energy in the Cactus League. Through last Saturday, he led the Rockies in homers (two), extra-base hits (seven) and steals (six) while slashing .325/.413/.625.
“This is a ton of fun -- the most fun I’ve ever had,” Veen told MLB.com’s Thomas Harding. “It’s so much fun because we’re playing baseball every day, and I get to play with a lot of guys I’ve watched growing up and guys that I came up with in the system. It’s a great time.”
Breakout potential: Kyle Karros
An ankle injury at UCLA helped knock down Karros down to the fifth round of the 2023 Draft, but the third baseman won High-A Northwest League MVP honors in his first full pro season and nearly captured the Triple Crown as well by slashing .311/.390/.485 with 15 homers and 78 RBIs in 126 games. The son of 1992 National League Rookie of the Year Eric Karros, Kyle is one of the best pure hitters in the system and could tap into some more power.
“We eventually see Kyle as a 20-25-home run guy,” Forbes said. “He’s done exactly what we’ve asked of him, which is stay with the hittability piece for now. We love the way he has carried himself in his first big league camp. He’s got pedigree and he sure got some good advice from his dad.”
Bounceback candidate: Benny Montgomery
The Rockies still have high hopes for Montgomery, whom they drafted eighth overall in 2021. He lost half of 2022 to a quadriceps injury and most of last season to surgery on his left shoulder. He needs to prove he can make consistent contact but still possesses an all-around tools package as good as any in the system, with double-plus speed and plus raw power, arm strength and center-field defense.
“I think Benny is going to have a very good year,” Forbes said. “He’s healthy and looked good in our high-performance camp in January. He came in from high school and it took some time to get comfortable in the pro setting, but he looks like a man now.”
Jim Callis is a reporter for MLB.com. Follow him @jimcallisMLB and @jimcallis.bsky.social. Listen to him on the weekly MLB Pipeline Podcast.
Knoxville Smokies Announce 2025 Promotions and Giveaway Schedule
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies today announced the club’s 2025 promotions and giveaway schedule for home games at Covenant Health Park, the new multi-use stadium in Knoxville’s Old City. The promotional schedule includes 12 giveaway dates, and a team-record 27 fireworks shows. Individual game tickets for all Knoxville Smokies
Knoxville Smokies Announce Five Year Deal with FirstBank as the Official Bank of the Knoxville Smokies
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced that FirstBank will be the official bank of the Knoxville Smokies. FirstBank will also sponsor the FirstBank Bridge inside Covenant Health Park, connecting the concourse beyond left-centerfield. “FirstBank is proud to be the official bank of the Knoxville Smokies, and honored to
Knoxville Smokies Announce Job Fairs in Conjunction with One Knox SC and Professional Sports Catering on March 1, 8, & 15
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced the club will hold job fairs on March 1, 8, and 15. The job fairs will have positions open with the Knoxville Smokies, One Knox Soccer Club, and Professional Sports Catering. All positions will be located at Covenant Health Park, the new
Knoxville Smokies Announce Naming Contests for New Mascots
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced the team will host public naming contests for the club’s two new mascots. A new father and son bear duo are coming to Covenant Health Park and East Tennessee this spring. Posters like the one listed below (right) were placed around Downtown
Cubs Announce 2025 Minor League Coaching Staffs
CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today announced their minor league managers and coaching staffs for the 2025 season. A detailed list of each club’s managers and coaching staffs are included below. The Cubs minor league clubs include Triple-A Iowa, Double-A Knoxville, High-A South Bend, Low-A Myrtle Beach, the Arizona Complex
Knoxville Smokies Partner with Professional Sports Catering to Provide Food Service at Covenant Health Park
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have partnered with Professional Sports Catering (PSC) to manage concessions and catering at Covenant Health Park when the multi-use facility opens next spring. The Smokies will make their home at the stadium and manage its operations, and the venue will host One Knoxville SC
Knoxville Smokies Announce Grand Opening of New Team Store Inside West Town Mall on Saturday, November 23
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Knoxville Smokies have announced the official grand opening of a team retail store inside the West Town Mall for Saturday, November 23. The Smokies are also proud to partner with Covenant Health, creating a round-up program, giving shoppers the opportunity to round-up their total purchase to
Tennessee Smokies Announce Rebrand to Knoxville Smokies with New Logos and Jerseys
KNOXVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced the official rebrand of the team name to the Knoxville Smokies, along with new team logos and jerseys. The rebrand comes with the club moving to Downtown Knoxville. The team will play at Covenant Health Park, located at 500 East Jackson Avenue
Tennessee Smokies Announce Partnership with ORNL Federal Credit Union as Luxury Level Club and Home Plate Club Sponsor
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced the team will partner with ORNL Federal Credit Union as the Luxury Level Club and Home Plate Club sponsor beginning next year at the new Covenant Health Park in Knoxville. ORNL Federal Credit Union and the Tennessee Smokies have worked together for
Tennessee Smokies Announce University of Tennessee 'Orange & White Fall World Series' to Take Place at Smokies Stadium November 8
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced that the University of Tennessee baseball team will host their annual ‘Orange & White Fall World Series’ at Smokies Stadium on Friday, November 8. This game will be the ‘Final Baseball Game in Smokies Stadium.’ First pitch will take place on Friday,
Tennessee Smokies Announce Donation Drive at Smokies Stadium to Support Flood Relief Victims
SEVIERVILLE, TN - In response to the devastation left behind by Hurricane Helene, the Tennessee Smokies have announced that they are holding a donation drive to support flood relief victims. Donations can be dropped off at Smokies Stadium near the entrance of The Batter’s Box Bar + Grill restaurant on
Boyd Sports, One Knoxville Soccer Club Announce Arrangement for First Season
Boyd Sports and One Knoxville SC today announced that beginning next season the soccer club will play its home games in the new Knoxville multi-use stadium that will also be home to the Knoxville Smokies baseball team. “Boyd Sports and the Knoxville Smokies are very proud to partner with One
Tennessee Smokies Announce Free Parking Partnership with Sevier County & City of Sevierville for Remainder of 2024 Season
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced the team will partner with Sevier County and the City of Sevierville for free parking for fans during the remainder of the 2024 baseball season at Smokies Stadium. The free parking gesture is a representation of celebrating 25 great seasons of baseball
Tennessee Smokies Announce 2025 Season Schedule
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies today announced their 2025 baseball schedule. The Smokies will begin the season on the road at the Birmingham Barons on Friday, April 4 for a three-game series, and then a six-game series in Huntsville, Alabama against the Rocket City Trash Pandas. On Tuesday, April
Hall of Fame Manager Tony La Russa and members of the 1978 Knox Sox Championship Team are coming to Smokies Stadium Sunday, July 28
\\As of the morning of Sunday, July 28th: Due to unforeseen health issues, Tony La Russa will not be in attendance for this event. If you purchased an upgraded ticket or brunch ticket, an email will be sent directly to you with further information.\
We are proud to welcome Hall
Tennessee Smokies Announce Fifth Annual Smokies BeerFest on August 17th
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies are happy to announce their annual BeerFest is returning to Smokies Stadium on August 17, 2024. The event will take place from 4:00pm-8:00pm, with early entry beginning at 3:00pm for VIP ticket holders and will feature many local breweries and their unique brews. Each
Tennessee Smokies Announce 2025 Season Tickets On Sale Starting August 1, 2024
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced that season tickets for the 2025 season will go on sale beginning Thursday, August 1 at 10:00am. Tickets available include Luxury Level Club seating, padded seating, home plate seating, and full-season field level seating. “This is a big step towards an exciting
Free MLB Youth Pitch, Hit, & Run Competition to be held at Smokies Stadium on June 11
SEVIERVILLE, TN - On Deck Athletics will host its annual MLB Pitch, Hit, and Run competition for area youth baseball and softball players on June 11, 2024 at Smokies Stadium. Athletes 7-14 years old will compete in three events measuring throwing accuracy, hitting distance, and running speed. This event is
Cubs Announce 2024 Minor League Coaching Staffs
CHICAGO – The Chicago Cubs today announced their minor league managers and coaching staffs for the 2024 season. The Cubs minor league clubs include Triple-A Iowa, Double-A Tennessee, High-A South Bend, Low-A Myrtle Beach, the Arizona Complex League Mesa Cubs and the Dominican Summer League Cubs. Marty Pevey returns as
Tennessee Smokies Announce 2024 Promotions & Giveaway Schedule
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies today announced the club’s 2024 promotions and giveaway schedule for home games at Smokies Stadium. The promotional schedule includes 10 giveaway dates, and 20 firework shows. Tickets for all Tennessee Smokies home games will be on sale beginning March 5 at 10:00am online at
Smokies drop series finale against Barons
Written by Caleb Jarreau The Tennessee Smokies fell to the Birmingham Barons 5-2 on Sunday afternoon. Tennessee splits the series with the Barons. Antonio Santos got the start for Tennessee, working five innings while surrendering seven hits and four runs. The Smokies got good innings from their bullpen, but the
Smokies drop Saturday game to Barons, 3-0
Written by Caleb Jarreau The Tennessee Smokies dropped Saturday night's contest with the Barons, 3-0. Sam Armstrong took the loss for Tennessee (56-38/16-10) while Birmingham's (51-44/10-16) Jordan Mikel picked up the win. Dalton Moats gave up a run in two innings, Jeff Belge pitched two scoreless and Joe Nahas pitched
Smokies hold Barons to three hits in Thursday night win
Written by Caleb Jarreau The Tennessee Smokies picked up a 5-1 win over the Birmingham Barons on Wednesday night. Chris Kachmar gets the win for his efforts, working six innings while allowing just one hit and one run. Jimmy Endersby worked a scoreless eighth and Eduarniel Nunez closed out the
Tennessee Smokies Announce Taco & Margarita Festival to Take Place on July 13 at Smokies Stadium
SEVIERVILLE, TN - The Tennessee Smokies have announced they are hosting their first inaugural Taco and Margarita festival on July 13, 2024. Tickets can be purchased here. Fans can enjoy a full day of entertainment and delicious taco and margarita options. Attendees can choose from a range of ticket options
Game story 7/2
Written by Caleb Jarreau The Tennessee Smokies picked up a 7-2 victory over the Chattanooga Lookouts on Tuesday night. Antonio Santos got the start for the Smokies, working 5.2 innings while surrendering two hits and two runs and striking out seven. Santos earned the win for his efforts. Tennessee's Alex